Soccer jerseys....

I doubt hooligans will go after a 9 year old boy. But if it makes you feel better tell him to carry a baseball bat while touring museums. Besides all Italian teams have been eliminated from the Champions' League this year, so no chance to have Barcelona vs an Italian team. The most important thing is not to wear a Juventus jersey while in Florence. We have no pity on the Gobbi Bianconeri, regardless of age.

It gets heated at matches, but I don't think he would have any problem at all wearing a jersey around. He should be just fine!

My view is he will be fine. Lets face it, nobody is going to attack a kid, or to be honest anyone. Now if you are there during World Cup and in a venue where your team is playing a local team...then maybe some comments, but still, polite respect.

Some of my best European memories revolve around soccer, and I am not even a fan. I was in the Piazza in Milan when the US beat Italy in the 2000's (Place was packed, huge screens showing the game, just completely wild, but fantatstic)

By the way, if he is interested in getting a jersey, be aware that on the street you will find many cheap promotional jerseys, never pay more than 10 to 20 euro. If you want a Fifa sanctioned jersey, they will be tagged, and you will know by the quality, but be prepared to pay around 50 euro.

He won't have a problem wearing Barca or some of the more popular English clubs. The only thing I would warn against is wearing a Roma or Lazio jersey in Rome or a Milan or Inter jersey in Milano but even that wouldn't be a big deal for a 9 year old, as one of the earlier posters said. The hooligan problem is a bit overrated here, especially for tourists. Most of the problems only happen on match day outside the stadiums and are pretty rare. I wouldn't worry.